The UK Government announced on 21 May 2009 a revision to the policy for settlement in the UK for former Gurkhas. The visa application centre at the British Consulate-General now welcomes new applications for settlement from former Gurkhas who are legally resident in Hong Kong and Macao, either permanently, or in another long-stay category. We also welcome fresh applications from those who have applied unsuccessfully in the past and are not waiting for the outcome of an appeal against refusal of an application under the Armed Forces Rules.

Read the full text of Home Secretary’s announcement on the UK Border Agency website:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/gurkhas-right-to-settle

Those with outstanding appeals against refusal for settlement

We have already contacted those of you with outstanding appeals against refusal of settlement under Armed Forces Rule. If you have not already done so, please contact our Visa Application Centre at the British Consulate-General between 2pm and 3pm Monday to Friday so that we can complete your outstanding application. You do not need to make a new application or an appointment, but we will need your passport to be able to process your application.

How do I apply in Hong Kong?

Please complete an online application and make an appointment to come in to lodge your application:www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk

After you have completed the application security page, choose the following on the “Your visa requirements” page:

• Current Location: Hong Kong
• Country of Nationality: Nepal
• Purpose of Application: Settlement
• Type of Application: Husband

You can then answer the various questions as you go through the application form. If you live in Macao, please choose Hong Kong as your country of residence and adjust your printed application form by hand.

Questions about your sponsor, life in the UK and finances

You do not need to give this information. But so that you can complete the application, please just type N/A in text fields, and give any answer in the correct format for other questions such as date and nationality. We will not take into consideration any answers you give in these sections of the application form.

Once you have completed the application and made your appointment, please come to our visa application centre and bring with you:

• a print out of your application form
• a photograph in the correct format as advised on the application form
• your army service book
• any other documentation you think relevant to your application – please note that we do not require any evidence of your funds, or accommodation in the UK

After you have lodged your application, your passport and supporting documents will be sent to the British Embassy in Manila for your application to be completed.  If you live in Macao, we have arrangements in place that will allow you to keep your passport until we are ready to make a decision on your application. Further details on the Services for Macao residents page.

How long will it take to get a decision on my application?

In line with our public service targets we aim complete 95% of applications for settlement visas in not more than 60 working days and 100% in not more than 120 working days.

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